SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – With several professional athletes by her side, Governor Kristi Noem Monday announced she’s creating a new initiative focused on defending ‘fairness in women’s sports.”
Called Defend Title IX, the coalition is meant to defend the federal law that prohibits discrimination based on sex in educational programs and activities.
Noem made the announcement Monday morning during a press conference in Sioux Falls.
The announcement follows a decision Friday that she wouldn’t sign House Bill 1217 as it currently stands. Noem issued a style and form veto on the bill which would limit transgender females participation in sports.
She says they consulted with legal authorities across the country about the prospects of defending the potential new state law and those prospects are not good.
Noem insists the Defend Title IX Initiative is not anti-transgender.
Noem has repeatedly said in recent days via social media that “boys should play boys sports and girls should play girls sports.” She reiterated that statement during today’s press conference.
